I have begrudgingly eaten too many sad bowls of "spicy mop water," at my desk in Boca, wishing for authentic, not fast-casual phô.
When I began to work from home during the pandemic, I took a chance and ordered from Phomee, in Royal Palm Beach. It was a pleasant surprise. We became regulars, but never set foot in the restaurant for a meal until now.
It was empty on a Friday afternoon. It really shouldn't be. From the moment we were seated, I kicked myself for not making the teeny drive and experiencing the actual restaurant and not just takeout.
The establishment is smallish but the tables are a good size and are nicely spaced. Walls are painted a vibrant green and along them there are additional menu items. Please pay attention to these. We are so glad we did. Also, it is important to note that the restaurant has plenty of vegetarian dishes as well.
We ordered the brisket and meatball phô, pork spring rolls, and a mango drink.
Service and food presentation were good. But, as always it all boils down to the taste of what's being served.
Phomee's drinks are an experience unto themselves-- never too sweet and always outstanding. Mango is not my favorite fruit, but we thought it would complement our meal. It was like a cup of fragrant sunshine. I would definitely order it again.
I have tried their delicious shrimp spring rolls before. This time, we ordered pork and we were not disappointed. Very well-seasoned tender bits of pork and fresh, cool veggies, were bound by a spring roll wrapper which was a kind of tough, but the dish was still really good. The accompanying peanut dipping sauce was perfect.
The bowls of pho were perfectly sized. Like a medium-large. Enough to leave full and have ample leftovers.
The delicate and refined phô broth lacks the hearty depth of a cross-town competitor's slightly more unctuous version. However, Phomee isn't heavy handed with salt and it has a very good, always consistent flavor that cannot be said for its closest competitor. Because of the good quality and tenderness of the meat being used, and the obvious care in its preparation, ultimately this phô was superior. (Do try their chicken as well.)
The brisket was perfectly flavored and the texture was exquisite. The slices were razor-thin and plentiful.
Half-moons of savory, springy meatballs, also bathed in the golden broth. They were light and garlicky without overpowering the dish. Best I've ever had, hands down.
Silky, bountiful noodles balanced out the proteins and broth. Alongside the dish was a platter with a mountain of Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices, and lime wedges, along with soup spoons, chopsticks (and forks if you need).
At each table sit containers of Sriracha, chili oil, and hoisin sauce. No matter what is sent home in their well-packaged takeout orders, nothing matches the restaurant experience of adding the condiments.
We were waited on by Kim, who was pulling double-duty that day as both cook as well as taking phone orders. She was mild-mannered and courteous. She runs a tight ship and keeps that restaurant immaculate.
My guest and I decided that we will not be ordering takeout unless our schedules simply will not allow. The restaurant experience was so much better and has more options. Very pleasant outing. Highly recommend.